(a) Give three reasons for holding elections in a state. (b) Identify three factors that...
(a) Give three reasons for holding elections in a state.
(b) Identify three factors that can disqualify a person from voting in a democracy.
Explanation
(a)The reasons of holding elections in a state are:
(i) An election makes it possible for the citizens to choose their representatives into government.
(ii)It serves as a process for a smooth change of government in a country.
(iii) An election makes it possible for people to decide the type of policies that should be adopted by Government through party manifestoes.
(iv) It makes it possible for political accountability and renewal of mandates.
(v) It enables people to participate in the government of their country thereby fostering democracy.
(vi) An election is used to measure public opinions on certain political issues in a country.
(vii) It provides for political education/socialization.
(viii) It legitimizes the wining party to form a government.
(ix) It integrates various ethnic and political groups.
(x) It encour-ages and promotes healthy political competition in a country.
(b) Factors that can disqualify a person from voting in democracy are:
(i) Citizenship: An alien may not be allowed to vote.
(ii) Age: An under-aged person may be prevented from voting e.g. below 18 years in most countries.
(iii) Registration: Anybody who fails to register during registration exercise for the election may not be allowed to vote.
(iv) Insanity: An insane person may not be allowed to vote.
(v) Criminality: Certified criminal may be disqualified.
(vi) Impersonation:An impersonator may not be allowed to vote.
(viii) Residence: Anyone who does not reside in a particular locality within a period of time may also be disqualified from voting.